What is the closest town to Chaco Canyon?

Bloomfield, Aztec and Farmington, New Mexico, are the closest towns to Chaco Canyon National Historical Park’s main north road. Each is about an hour and a half from the park’s entrance.

Is Chaco Canyon open to public?

Hiking trails and archaeological sites are open daily from 7:00am to 9:00pm, with the entry gate to loop road closing 30 minutes prior to closing, which is at 8:30 pm. The park and campground are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Does it cost anything to enter Chaco Canyon?

Vehicle Entrance Fee: $25.00 for 7 days This permit allows all persons traveling in one private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van) to enter the park to visit for up to 7 days from the date of purchase.

What is the road like to Chaco Canyon?

Great peaceful experience. The road getting to Chaco Canyon is rough, but well worth it, although I’d avoid it after any sort of significant rain. The road becomes 23 miles of very slippery mud. There are all sorts of trails once you get into the Chaco Canyon site.

Where should I stay to see Chaco Canyon?

Lodging

Camping is the only lodging available in the park itself.
Bloomfield (61 miles, an hour and a half)
Aztec (69 miles, an hour and a half)
Farmington (74 miles, an hour and a half)
Albuquerque (151 miles via Highway 550, 3 hours)
Santa Fe (178 miles via Highway 550, 3 hours)
Gallup (94 miles, 2 and a half hours)

Is Mesa Verde older than Chaco Canyon?

Mesa Verde’s classic period was between 1100 and 1300, later than Chaco’s. Cliff Palace is Mesa Verde’s largest and best-known site, and North America’s largest cliff dwelling, with 150 rooms (you climb five 8-10-foot ladders and can descend into one of its kivas).

How long does it take to tour Chaco Canyon?

To get a good feel for Chaco takes about 3 days 2 nights. We usually get their early on the first day and tour the loop buildings all day, go back to the campground and build a nice relaxing fire to sit near and wait for the chile con carne to warm up.

Why is Chaco Canyon famous?

Chaco Canyon served as a major center of ancestral Puebloan culture. Remarkable for its monu mental buildings, distinctive architecture, astronomy, artistic achievements, it served as a hub of ceremony, trade, and administration for the Four Corners Area unlike anything before or since.

How many days do you need in Chaco Canyon?

Is there cell service in Chaco Canyon?

There is limited cell service inside the Visitor Center. Does not work with all carriers and not strong enough to use the internet. Chaco Culture National Historical Park preserves a major center of ancestral Puebloan culture dating between 850 and 1250 CE.

How to get to Chaco Canyon National Park?

It’s 20.5 miles from the turn off to the park but it’ll take you a good hour possibly depending on road conditions. From the south of the park: From I-40, take highway 371from Thoreau to highway 9 before turning on CR57.

Where are the best overlooks in Chaco Canyon?

Even if you’re visiting Chaco Canyon on a day trip you can grab some snaps and be back to your car in no time. The overlooks of Pueblo Bonito and Chetro Ketl are located on the ridge above, accessed from the slotted canyon behind the ruins of Kin Kletso. The trail begins in earnest atop the ridge with a fine view of Kin Kletso in the valley below.

How tall is Chaco Canyon from sea level?

So if you are looking to rage it up and party while camping at Chaco Canyon, this is not the place for you. Chaco Culture National Historical Park sits at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Acclimitise yourself to this coming from lower elevations, especially sea level.

Is the Chaco Canyon a dark sky park?

Chaco Canyon has been certified as an International Dark Sky Park and we have information on experiencing a presentation highlighting this distinction. See the Dark in the Park Featured Programme section below and learn how to take advantage of the unique and free nocturnal astronomy presentation given by park rangers during your stay.